AT-PEQ30 Phono Equalizer

Audio -Technica PEQ30Very good sounding equipment, more bass and dynamics from my other one preamp.Very nice looking and performing, very sturdy body compact. Recommend to anyone who is on budget.After two days of burning I’m amazed how much more quiet and clean can sounds budget preamplifier 🥰

The Audio Technica PEQ30 is an outstanding phono preamp. I run two turntables in my medium dollar system one with a MM cartridge and one higher end Luxman table with MC cartridge and have up to this point used the phono stage built into my dedicated preamp, and went through the plug and unplug process when changing turntables to listen too.. So as I have been exploring and hearing phono preamps in the under $500 price range to be able to have a dedicate line level output to supply my preamp, I came unexpectedly on the AEQ30 of the 5 others I had reviewed. The only model that is even close to this AT unit is the Music Fidelity V90, which is a superb phono preamp but for me and my system the PEQ30 provided a more spacious sound stage and just a touch more definition. Keep in mind that in the $200- 400 price range most all of the phono preamps sound really good but it is the subtilties that will set one unit apart from another. They all re-equalize the RIAA curve very well, but is is in the detail, spaciousness, stage positioning, and warmth or edge that really sets them apart. I used this on my MM Turn table which has an AT VM95SH cartridge and it simply exploded with sound improvements. With much greater definition and detail and an overall richness in the entire band width from bass to treble. The treble and mids were warm and full without the sharp brittle sound as was from my dedicated preamp. Totally improved the sound and listening experience.. But the even better part was when I ran my Luxman Turn Table with an AT OC9 Moving Coil through it, moving coil cartridges are known for their airiness and extremely high level of detail, but with this phono preamp that improved two fold over my primary preamp, and the richness / fullness across then entire bandwidth was much better, a total delight to listen too.I have come to the belief that running a secondary phono preamp is, in many cases, a significant improvement over built in phono stages in amps or receivers and as it clearly showed in my $850 dedicated preamp.I have enjoyed this AT PEQ30 so much that I bought a second one to have dedicated to my Luxman turntable.Note, there are very few reviews out there on the device, I was able to tap into some of my resources in Japan and the EU to help me evaluate this device but don't let that steer you away for this excellent phono preamp and not matter what level of system you are able to enjoy you will find that the PEQ30 will most definitely enhance and improve your vinyl listening experience. I highly recommend this phono preamp.

I bought this because I'm pretty much using A-T cartridges exclusively now, both moving magnet and moving coil. Unit is optimized for both, and sounds great. Well made and attractive, too.

This sounds excellent. Great build quality too.

Very natural sound photo pre. Built to a high standard, feels high end.

I've been looking for a preamp for a while and thought I would give this a try. I believe in break in time so I've only listened to 2 records so far. But the deal breaker for me is the low 35db gain setting. I'm having to crank the volume of my modest 55 watts per channel receiver way to high, near to 90% max to get decent volume. That being said I don't listen at ear damaging levels. Most likely it will be going back.

Nice simple pre-amp was a bargain at $99

Fausly advertised as being able to play music. Will be returning.